To encourage African violets to bloom, they need 12 to 14 hours of bright, indirect light each day. South- and west-facing windowsills are usually bright enough, but you may need to supplement light with a grow light. During the winter, when the sun’s rays are weaker, you may need to provide a bit more light. Conversely, too much light will scorch the leaves, so be careful not to place African violets in a sunny windowsill.
Six to eight hours of sun daily is ideal for African violets. If they don’t get enough sun, they will become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
If you want your plants to have the best color and blooms, grow them in bright, indirect light. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location. Plants will still grow when situated right beside north- or east-facing windows, but leaves will be thin and spindly, and plants less likely to bloom.
African violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers. In some cases, too much sunlight will turn variegated leaf varieties entirely green.
How often should you water a African violet
A wicking system is a great way to make sure your African violets are never over watered. By only watering once a week and allowing the plant to completely dry between waterings, you can be sure your plants will stay healthy and happy.
If you notice that your African violet’s leaves are yellowing, its stems are leggy, and its bloom growth is stunted, it’s probably not getting enough sun. African violets need plenty of sunlight to stimulate healthy photosynthesis processes. If your plant is not getting enough sun, move it to a brighter location.
Do African violets need bigger pots?
As a general rule, African violets do best when they are slightly pot-bound. This means that you should choose a pot that is on the smaller side, as this will help to encourage the growth of new roots and leaves. A professional tip is to choose a pot that is 3-4 inches in diameter if you have a standard African violet plant.
If you are unsure whether to water your African violet from the top or bottom, either method is fine. Just be sure to use lukewarm or warm water, as cold water can shock the plant. If you choose to water from the top, be cautious not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in direct sunlight. This can cause leaf spots.
Should African violets be misted?
It’s important to not mist the foliage of your African violet as it may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use room temperature water instead and be sure to not saturate the crown of the plant as it’s susceptible to crown rot.
If you want your African Violet to stay healthy throughout the year, you need to fertilize it regularly. During the spring and summer, you should fertilize your African Violet once every 14 days. In the fall and winter, you shouldn’t fertilize the plant at all to prevent over-fertilizing.
Should African violets be watered once a week
Bottom watering is the best way to water African violets because it allows the water to slowly seep up from the bottom of the pot and evenly saturate the soil. This method also helps to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can cause them to rot. You should only water African violets when the soil is almost dry. Usually you’ll need to water about once a week, but this depends on conditions like the temperature, the season, and the size of the African violet’s container.
To ensure your African violets are getting the appropriate amount of sunlight, provide bright, indirect sun. Too little sunlight will cause the plant to stretch for the light and produce few or no flowers. Too much sun can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, especially with a sheer curtain to block the sun’s harshest rays. African violets also need eight hours of darkness every night.
Can I water African violets with tap water?
If you have African violets, it’s important to be aware of the quality of the tap water in your area. In most cases, the water will be fine, but levels of chlorine or other dissolved solids may fluctuate depending on the season. In some areas, the tap water may have high levels of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids, which can all adversely affect your African violets. If you’re unsure about the quality of the water in your area, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use filtered or distilled water for your plants.
African violets need to be repotted every one to two years in order to maintain healthy growth. This frequency is important because African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years. By repotting every one to two years, you are ensuring that your African violet will be able to continue to bloom for many years to come.
How many times a year do African violets bloom
African violets can bloom nearly year-round if you are able to provide the correct conditions. Expect your African violets to bloom 10-12 months each year. Each bloom lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
If you notice excessive moisture on the crown leaves of your violets, it is important to take action right away. This moisture makes the violets highly susceptible to a number of deadly pathogens, such as Crown Rot and Pythium. Much less serious, though still alarming, are the brown or yellow leaf spots which result from leaving water on the leaves. If you see any of these symptoms, be sure to remove the affected leaves and increase the airflow around the plant.
What do Overwatered African violets look like?
An African Violet plant that has been over-watered will have leaves and/or leaf stems that turn soft, limp or mushy. The plant will also have soil that retains too much water, causing the plant to suffer from waterlogging.
African violets need a pot that won’t hold too much water and will allow the roots to breath. Terra cotta is ideal for this because it is a porous material that prevents the soil from staying too wet. The pot must have suitable drainage holes so you can water from underneath.
Conclusion
African violets need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. When placed in a windowsill that faces east or west, they will receive the ideal amount of light.
African violets need bright, indirect light for best growth and blooming. They will tolerate some filtered direct sunlight, but too much sun will cause the leaves to sunburn.
